Darren Moore confirms ‘serious talks’ with goalkeeper as Doncaster Rovers close in on signings

Boss Darren Moore has selected his number one target for the position and is confident of securing the signing in the coming days. The deal would be a loan basis.

Moore confirmed to the media on Thursday that Stoke City youngster Josef Bursik is one of the goalkeepers he has explored the possibility of signing but would not be drawn on whether the 20-year-old was his top target.

“He's one of the names on the list,” the Rovers manager said.

"It's not just him but he's one of the targeted goalkeepers we've looked at.”

He added: “We've identified a goalkeeper we want to bring in but if the keeper doesn't arrive before Saturday, I'm happy to go with Louis Jones providing there are no injuries.

“But we are in serious talks with a goalkeeper. We're hoping that arrival will be sooner rather than later.”

We also understand Moore has held tentative discussions with two other clubs over loaning goalkeepers should he fail to land his primary target. One of these keepers is Manchester United’s Matej Kovar.

The signings of three other players are said to be only awaiting final confirmation, with agreements reached in principle. Moore’s focus on outfield players has initially centred on adding to his forward ranks.

The Rovers boss would not be drawn on other incomings but suggested signings are ‘imminent.’

“There's one or two deals imminent at the moment,” he said.

"We've identified one or two players we want to add to the squad very, very quickly but the hardest bit is just getting them over the line.

"They've been identified and we want to bring them in now because we want to try and integrate them straight away into the team.”

Stoke keeper Bursik is rated as one of the top young English goalkeepers and has represented England to U20 level, including being a member of the squad that won the U17 World Cup.

He spent last season on loan with Accrington Stanley, making 20 appearances and delivering five clean sheets. He played against Rovers in the 1-1 draw at the Keepmoat in December.

Rovers allowed Ian Lawlor to join Oldham Athletic on a season-long loan last week, which has likely signalled the end of the 25-year-old’s time at the Keepmoat with his contract due to expire next summer.

Academy product Louis Jones will see his senior experience built steadily this season, with outings in cup competitions. The 21-year-old is highly rated by the Rovers coaching staff and is very much seen as the long term solution for the goalkeeping position at the club.

As he hunts for a new addition, Moore wants a keeper who possesses the same attributes as last season’s loan star Seny Dieng - particularly comfort in playing out from the back - and is confident those goalkeepers he has identified could fill that role.

Lawlor’s departure comes with Moore unwilling to stand in his way of playing first team football regularly.

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